Sweet Bead Studio Blog
Art Bead Scene Challenge
Have you heard? Art Bead Scene {the go-to site for the latest in handmade art beads} has a new feature! The editors are now offering a monthly Design Team Challenge! I was invited to participate by Heather Powers this month, along with fellow designers Erin Prais-Hintz, Lori Anderson, Jen Judd, and Lorelei Eurto. At the time however, I had no idea who else would be participating, and if we were all given the same beads.
I received a gorgeous set of Heather’s polymer clay beads to work with, as it turns out, we were all given the same grouping and set free to create something with our own unique styles. I was really excited to see Heather’s new hand-painted clay beads in person – and let me tell you the colors are so soft and gorgeous.
I set to work framing the pendant on an oval copper backdrop that I etched with a willow pattern. I was so happy to find this willow stamp at my local stamp store just for this project. I tried a little something new and created a toggle from the same etched metal sheet and with heavy-gauge wire. I then cut and domed bead caps for the Willow Disk beads. Oval-shaped ceramic beads that I found at Bead Fest Wire complemented the shape of the focal, and a double strand of pearls were added. The necklace was oxidized and polished, then finished with a wisp of sari silk ribbon.
sold, thank you
I’m sure looking forward to next month’s challenge – it was so fun to see all of the many wonderful designs that derived from the same set of beads!
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Cindy Wimmer is a jewelry designer with a passion for combining vintage elements with modern wire design. She is the co-founder of artBLISS, hosting jewelry and mixed media workshops in the DC area. Her best-selling jewelry design book, The Missing Link, was released in Fall 2013. Read more.
this is gorgeous, I really love the pearls
Wow Cindy ! this necklace is a pure beauty, love everything in it, colour, shapes of the beads, the so cute mother of pearls and the tiny sari silk ribbon. Aaannnnddd, of course, the amazing oval copper backdrop you made, great pattern, in fact.
Heather’s beads are so beautiful, lucky girl you are to play with.
This is a beautiful necklace!!
love the design of this piece Cindy!! The wire wrapped pearls are my favorite, and I love how they don’t go all the way to the back… really cool!
Love everything about this Cindy! All the different textures, and materials! Great job!
That’s beautiful! The pearls are just the perfect touch. And you made your own bead caps? I love them! Since I don’t work with metal that just amazes me!
Cindy, This necklace is amazing! I love that you put the etched oval piece behind Heather’s polymer piece. It does frame it … really accentuated that design element. And the pearls are so perfect! Great job!
Absolutely gorgeous!! So well done, congratulations:)
I love how you incorporated your etched elements (my new favorite thing to do!) The necklace is just stunning! Heather’s beads are incredible and you showcased them well!
This is just so very lovely Cindy!
Your finishing of the bead caps and etching are wonderful!
Your such a shining beacon Cindy!
Oh my, so breathtaking and artistic! It’s a masterpiece!
I absolutly love this necklace, Cindy! The liitle bit of sarisilk and the pearlstrands are so cute!
Fantastic piece, Cindy! Love that you backed the focal bead with the etched copper – it was a stroke of genius! The toggle is another favorite part – and of course, I love the pearls!!! Wonderful creation!
Cindy, this is stunning. Heather’s beads are lovely and you created an amazing necklace with them!
In love — and you need to teach me how to do that toggle — I know how to texture metal but for some reason I don’t think that’s the same thing.
I knew before I looked at the photo that you would use copper 🙂
Love the design, beautiful as always!
That’s an amazing opportunity Cindy and you did brillantly. love the knot which add a somewhat romantic touch to the piece…^_^ Virginie
Alas….my first well crafted comment was deleted!
I loved participating in this, and was so honored when I found out who was designing along with me! Your necklace is GORGEOUS. I love the etched copper. I took an etching class with Sherri Haab at Bead & Button and I am dying to get the time and space to break out my E3 Etching system and take it for a whirl.
What fun! Thank you for sharing your beauty and inspiration with us.
Enjoy the day!
Erin
The copper back drop is really a beautiful frame for Heather’s pendant which is already stunning, but you really took it another step. Bravo!
What a fabulous necklace Cindy. I love how you “framed” the focal with the etched copper oval, the colors are fab…the silk adds just the right pizzazz, the toggle is great too. Just Lovely!
Awesome!!! You are so talented!
Gorgeous, Cindy! WOW! What a stunner! Love everything about it! Heather sure hand-picked a talented group!
GORGEOUS!!! WOWIE. 🙂
Cindy
That is SOOOOOO LOVELY! I just admire the way that you take components and make beauty out of them!
Nancy
I love what you did Cindy, the clasp is amazing, the little bit of ribbon adds just the right texture and the ‘frame’ behind the pendant is pure genius! That’s for playing along!
How delicate and beautiful Cindy! Love it =)
You really made a wonderful piece with these beads– the metalwork made the difference for me! I think your work is reaching a new level of sophistication and maturity and believe me, you’ve earned it! Have a happy Fourth!
PS the photography on this one is professional quality all the way!
This is just stunning…oh how I wish I could imagine creations as beautiful as you sweet Cindy.I must must also tell you evertime I see the latest issue with your work..I cant help but beam with happiness for you!!bIG hUGS-Cat
This is a beautiful necklace. I love all the different elements in the design. Blessings,
Terry
What a gorgeous piece, I love the copper willow backdrop, stunning! I am not surprised its sold already! Truely Inspirational!!!